City candidates talk transportation, park plan during forum – Gainesville city election candidates discussed transportation needs, plans for a former jail and building renovations during a Saturday afternoon forum. Candidates discussed the city’s plan to turn the former Gainesville Correctional Institution into a homeless shelter. Candidates Scherwin L. Henry and Donald E. Shepherd Sr. backed the plan. The candidates also talked about Gainesville’s city parks master plan initiative costing $50 million. A bus rapid transit system was also disputed. Incumbent Craig Lowe and candidate Mark Venzke discussed the need for new and safer bike ways.The Independent Florida Alligator

Eastside High School video stirs different reactions – A nearly 15-minute movie featuring Eastside High School students speaking candidly about their feelings of the school community has received differing opinions. Footage of campus fighting and classroom disruptions are included in the video. Administrators and school officials said the video is a misrepresentation of the campus culture. Some students agree the reaction is overblown but say the footage is not too far from reality. Community leaders said the controversy warrants a discussion on how to best serve the students. The Gainesville Sun

Tallahassee movie fans wait for hours to hear if local writer wins Oscar – Among the large production studio Oscar nominations of “Les Miserables,” “Django Unchained” and “Argo,” Monticello, Fla. native Lucy Alibar was honored at the Academy Awards Sunday night for “Beasts of the Southern Wild.” While Alibar did not win the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, she told Tallahassee Democrat writers she felt she won when “Beasts of the Southern Wild” was made. Alibar received nomination for adapting the screenplay based off the play “Juicy and Delicious,” which she wrote and produced originally in Tallahassee. The award for Best Adapted Screenplay went to Chris Terrio for “Argo.” Tallahassee Democrat